Elfrid Payton

Though he boosted his all-around numbers from his rookie season, Payton didn't exhibit the exponential growth some were anticipating in his second NBA season. Injury problems may have been a major reason why, as Payton was limited by an ankle sprain in the preseason and ende...

Payton was one of 27 players to suit up for all 82 games last season. He began the year as the Magic's starting point guard due to Victor Oladipo's facial fracture, was later replaced in the starting lineup when Oladipo returned, but by late December, Payton reclaimed the starting gig permanently. In 30 minutes per contest, the 21-year-old point guard recorded 8.9 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 43 percent from the field and a dismal 55 percent from the free-throw line. Not only does Payton struggle finishing at the rim, converting a league-worst 49 percent in the restricted area among those with at least 275 attempts, but his accuracy drastically declines the further he extends from the basket. Defenses routinely sagged off Payton on the perimeter, neutralizing driving lanes and collapsing the paint. Conversely, he recorded a team-high 101.6 offensive rating, rarely turned the ball over, exhibits tenacious defensive wherewithal, and cleaned up his free-throw percentage at the end of the season by converting 73 percent over the final 14 games. Payton spent the summer working with shooting coach Dave Love, and he's expected to retain the starting point guard job under new coach Scott Skiles.

2014-15

Elfrid Payton joins the league after being the 10th selection in June's NBA draft. During his final season at Louisiana-Lafayette, the junior guard averaged 19.2 points, 5.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 36 minutes per game over the course of 35 games. The Lefty Driesell Award winner (Defensive POY) shot 51 percent from the field on 13.3 field goal attempts per game and 61 percent from the line on 8.6 free throw attempts per game. He was second in all of Division I basketball in free-throw attempts (302), assists (208), and steals (80). More egregiously, he led the NCAA in turnovers (127) and was only able to convert 26 percent of his three-point attempts. Jameer Nelson, E'Twaun Moore, and Ronnie Price are no longer on the roster, but Luke Ridnour was signed in free agency, and all signs point toward Payton accruing substantial minutes as the one of the primary Magic point guards. Payton lead the Orlando Pro Summer League with an impressive 7.0 assists in just under 26 minutes per game but also finished first in turnovers (4.0 per game). His quickness allows him to get to the rim with ease, a tactic likely aided by the Channing Frye signing. Payton and his percentages aren't rotisserie friendly. There a lot of holes in the rookie's game, but he has tantalizing potential, especially for head-to-head leagues. Payton has a slender frame, is ineffective catching and shooting the ball, and lacks an off-the-dribble jumper. His shooting woes also work against him at the free-throw line, making him a dangerous play in nine-category rotisserie leagues.